Rent Strike Fund - All-Chicago Tenant Alliance

What is the All-Chicago Tenant Alliance?

The All-Chicago Tenant Alliance is an organization made up of Chicago tenants. We look to build durable tenant unions across the city which are prepared to defend themselves from the exploitation and abuse of their landlords while building power for an offensive movement against the dominance of landlords. A world without landlords is possible.

What is the ACTA Rent Strike fund?

Rent money that is withheld from the landlord during a strike is not 'spending money' for tenants. It accumulates in a pot and serves as the tenants' leverage. The ACTA Rent Strike fund is a pool of money donated by tenants and organizers to cover the risk tenants take when going on rent strike. This money will only go towards legal fees and support for tenants who have engaged in a rent strike. The most significant benefit of a strike fund is the insurance it gives us in the event of defeat: court fees. If the tenants have to back down, the fund will support any costs they incur.

Who does this strike fund support today?

The Belden Sawyer Tenant Association

On December 6, 2024, landlord Drew Millard took out a loan for $3,515,000 to take possession of an apartment building on the corner of 2257 N. Sawyer. On Christmas Eve, he left a note for the tenants informing them of his plan to throw them out. Why? So that he can renovate the building and raise the rents 100%.

Without skipping a beat, the tenants began organizing a tenants union. They call themselves the Belden Sawyer Tenant Association. For two months, they have called, sent letters, sent emails, contacted the aldermen and the newspapers, held a rally, a press conference and a protest at the offices of Millard’s investment firm 33 Realty.

After ignoring the tenants demands at every opportunity, the union has authorized a rent strike in order to bring Millionaire Millard to the negotiating table. This fund will directly help pay for legal fees and costs throughout the months on strike.

There will be more tenants on strike in the future!

A strong rent strike fund will not only support tenants on strike now, it will also make it easier for tenants to stand up for themselves in the future. Donate today to help BSTA and mitigate the risk of the rent strike, tenants’ strongest weapon against landlord neglect!